The Game Boy Advance SP is one of the two Game Boy Advance variations, released in February 2003. It is similar to the original, but it has a "clamshell" design, meaning that it can be folded to open and close. The Game Boy Advance SP has a rechargeable battery, and it does not run on two AA batteries. The Game Boy Advance SP has a backlit screen, meaning it has a bright screen (older versions of the GBA SP have a frontlit screen).

The Game Boy Micro is one of the two variations of the Game Boy Advance. It is smaller than most handhelds and is designed to fit inside coin pockets. It retains a rechargeable battery and backlit screen from the Game Boy Advance SP. The Game Boy Micro removed compatibility with original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. It also is incompatible with the Nintendo e-Reader. The Game Boy Micro also has a removable face plate for alternative designs.

The Game Boy Micro has a switch on its right side to adjust the volume. If the player presses the L shoulder button, it can be used to adjust the backlit screen between five different brightness levels.